Buying a hot tub

[Brewmaster]

Does anyone have any suggestions or tips when it comes to buying a hot tub? Are they worth the money, or an expensive PITA? How much can you negotiate the price on these things?

My wife is really keen to get one for our backyard. We've also got young kids who would be using the tub. I've never owned one before so would love to hear some experiences.

Our yard has a paving stone patio that we would likely put it on and privacy is okay but definitely within sightlines of one or two neighbors.

[Mightyfire89]

Just my mostly uninformed thoughts. Possibly massive added expense for electricity to maintain the temperature of the water. Maintenance can be somewhat costly and a time sink. Water waste (and expense). Danger of drowning for young children. A paving stone base would be rife for difficulties with settling etc possibly causing damage to the hot tub and/or messing up the paving stones. The moveable, inflatable types might be a bit better? I don’t really know.
Just my 2 cents worth

[troutman]

Spaberry is less expensive but only holds two people.

It got used daily, and easy to maintain. The sales team was sketchy though - breaking promises on delivery.

[dissentowner]

Get the time machine model.

[Snuffleupagus]

My suggestion, for a family man don't bother, I've had four of them over the years, great when you're in 20's and 30's (especially if single) but the with the maintenance and electricity costs they're not worth it IMO.

You'll use it at first but then tire of it, the one I have now get's used 5 or 6 times a year, it's a 6000 lb cash cow.

[Drak]

We bought a hot tub in 2012. Lots of people told us not to, that we’d regret it. They were right. It was used for about a year and a half. Major pain to maintain. Not it sits empty, wasting away.

[bagofpucks]

If you’re interested, my neighbor literally just asked me this morning if I know anyone looking to buy a pretty much brand new arctic spa for less than half the price of what they paid for it 3 years ago.

Anecdotally, I’d say 1 in 5 people we know actually end up using them regularly after the first 6 months or so. And yes, many of our friends lament the maintenance and operational costs.

[CroFlames]

Originally Posted by Drak

We bought a hot tub in 2012. Lots of people told us not to, that we’d regret it. They were right. It was used for about a year and a half. Major pain to maintain. Not it sits empty, wasting away.

I congratulate you for using it for a year and a half. For most people it's about 6-9 months before they just stop.

[Sliver]

I hate hot tubs.

[MacDaddy77]

We use ours at least 2-3 times a week We ski and do a lot of outdoor activities so it's a nice way to relax and visit with the family/kids away from screens

Maintenance isn't difficult once you get the hang of it and I found putting a weekly reminder on my phone helped.

Tips I've found helpful

1. have a designated hot tub swim suit for everyone so your not bringing a washed suit into the tub each time with soap from the washing machine. We just rinse in the sink and hang dry and wash the suits occasionally.

2. maintenance schedule - set a reminder and follow it, with kids don't be scared to Shock the S$!t out of the tub water every couple days.

3. turn off the air jets (if equipped) at all times when not using them. air circulating in the tub during winter cools the water and requires more heating.

4. invest in a really good cover.

buy non glass drinkware and enjoy. We have it oriented so I can see the inside TV and we connect to a bluetooth and can watch some hockey/football from the hottub.

[Doctorfever]

It is great family time for us. We really enjoy it and have awesome conversations in there.

Don’t use it nearly as often in the summer. I have actually just turned it off as I am due to change the water. Will have it up and running in the fall.

I use a product I order from US for maintenance. Very simple.
https://www.claritywaterproducts.com...ts/natural-spa

[Muffins]

If you get one, just make sure this couple doesn't go in....

[undercoverbrother]

The best hot tubs are someone else's.

[aaronck]

I have similar feedback to others above- Bought one in my late 20s, used it a lot initially (2-3 years) and it slowly faded, until kids came and that pretty much killed it. I ended up paying someone $350 to take it away when I sold my old house- That seems to be the hot tub circle of life. A few of my neighbors bought their houses with hot tubs and ended up paying to have them removed as well.

Edit, as for chemicals, I think most newer tubs monitor and actually Email you when they are in need, making maintenance easier. Getting a salt water tub allows you to use less additives as well...

[Drak]

Originally Posted by CroFlames

I congratulate you for using it for a year and a half. For most people it's about 6-9 months before they just stop.

I tried. It ended up being mostly me using it but then I just gave up. I need to find a way to get rid of it or turn it into a pond. Treating it everyday is a major hassle.

[8sPOT]

I've had several hot tubs and love them.

I wouldn't buy brand new though, there are always people looking to get rid of a tub for a fraction of the cost.

Hell some are even free if you are able to go pick it up.

In my experience, the electricity cost is negligble, assuming you actually use the thing.

Maintenance is dependent on usage. After a big party, with lots of people you'll likely have to drain it completely. Kids are gross too, so that means extra maintenance.

Having said all that, it seems the vast majority of folks dont use them after a short period of time, and then it just sits there.

[Shazam]

I enjoyed mine, so did the kids. Sold it a couple of years ago to a young couple, the wife was a hottie.

[MacDaddy77]

Originally Posted by bagofpucks

If you’re interested, my neighbor literally just asked me this morning if I know anyone looking to buy a pretty much brand new arctic spa for less than half the price of what they paid for it 3 years ago.

Anecdotally, I’d say 1 in 5 people we know actually end up using them regularly after the first 6 months or so. And yes, many of our friends lament the maintenance and operational costs.

Send me a PM, We're moving into a new house next week and I might be interested.

[WideReceiver]

I don’t want one, partly because both of our kids have one and live nearby. They both got tubs that use salt water. Check those out.

[troutman]

Originally Posted by Muffins

If you get one, just make sure this couple doesn't go in....

Why? Have you never enjoyed meeting new
love-ahs?